An apparatus for wireless charging may include a casing for housing an electronic device and a plurality of power receiving elements that can couple to an externally generated magnetic field to wirelessly power or charge a load in the electronic device. At least one of the power receiving elements may comprise an electrically conductive segment of the casing.
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1. An apparatus for wireless charging, comprising: a casing comprising one or more electrically separate, electrically conductive segments; and a plurality of power receiving elements configured to couple to an externally generated magnetic field to wirelessly power or charge a load, at least one of the plurality of power receiving elements comprising one of the electrically conductive segments of the casing, at least a first power receiving element and a second power receiving element connected together and operative to produce a single output of power when coupled to the externally generated magnetic field.
A wireless charging system has a device casing with electrically isolated, conductive segments. Power is received from an external magnetic field by multiple power receiving elements. At least one receiving element is a conductive segment of the casing. A first and second power receiving element are connected to produce a single power output when exposed to the external magnetic field.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of power receiving elements are connected in a resonant circuit.
The wireless charging system from the previous description includes one or more power receiving elements connected within a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit enhances the power transfer efficiency when the receiving elements are exposed to the external magnetic field.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of power receiving elements comprises a coil of wire.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 1 includes at least one power receiving element implemented as a coil of wire. The coil of wire is designed to efficiently capture the external magnetic field and convert it to electrical energy.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the casing comprises a top segment, wherein the first power receiving element comprises a first conductor having at least one turn wound parallel to a first plane of the top segment of the casing and the second power receiving element comprises a second conductor having at least one turn wound parallel to a second plane of a side of the casing and is non-parallel to the first plane.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 1 uses a casing with a top segment. A first power receiving element, consisting of a conductor with one or more turns, lies parallel to the top casing plane. A second power receiving element, with one or more turns, lies parallel to a side casing plane and is non-parallel to the first receiving element. The two elements capture magnetic fields from different orientations.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the first conductor is affixed to an inside surface of the top segment of the casing and the second conductor is affixed to an inside surface of the side of the casing.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 4 has the first conductor attached to the inside of the top casing segment and the second conductor attached to the inside of the side casing segment. These attachments secure the placement and orientation of the receiving elements within the device casing.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of switches selectively operable to connect together at least some of the plurality of power receiving elements in different combinations of connected power receiving elements.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 1 uses multiple switches to selectively connect power receiving elements in different combinations. These combinations allow the system to adapt to varying magnetic field conditions or power requirements.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the different combinations of connected power receiving elements have different degrees of mutual coupling with the externally generated magnetic field.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 6 uses different switch configurations, resulting in different combinations of connected power receiving elements having varying degrees of magnetic coupling with the external magnetic field. This allows optimizing power transfer efficiency based on the field orientation.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the different combinations of connected power receiving elements provide different output voltages.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 6 uses different switch configurations, resulting in different combinations of connected power receiving elements providing varying output voltages. This enables the system to adapt to different load requirements or charging profiles.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the different combinations of connected power receiving elements have different resistances.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 6 uses different switch configurations, resulting in different combinations of connected power receiving elements having different resistance values. This can be used to optimize impedance matching for efficient power transfer.
10. The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a controller to control the plurality of switches.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 6 includes a controller that manages the switches. The controller decides which power receiving element combinations to use based on factors such as magnetic field strength, orientation, or load requirements.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of rectifiers, each power receiving element connected to a corresponding rectifier, wherein the plurality of rectifiers are connected together in series.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 1 includes multiple rectifiers, each connected to a corresponding power receiving element. These rectifiers are connected in series, creating a combined higher voltage output.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of power receiving elements are connected in series.
A system for wireless power transfer includes a plurality of power receiving elements configured to receive power from a power transmitting unit. The power receiving elements are arranged in a network to efficiently capture and distribute power. In this configuration, at least some of the power receiving elements are connected in series to form a series circuit. The series connection allows for controlled power distribution and voltage regulation across the receiving elements. This arrangement improves power transfer efficiency by reducing losses and ensuring stable power delivery to connected devices. The system may also include additional power receiving elements connected in parallel or other configurations to optimize power distribution based on specific requirements. The series connection of power receiving elements enables scalable and adaptable power transfer solutions for various applications, including consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and medical devices. The system may further incorporate feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust power delivery dynamically, ensuring optimal performance under varying load conditions. This configuration enhances reliability and efficiency in wireless power transfer systems.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least some of the plurality of power receiving elements are connected together so that magnetic fields which arise in the at least some of the plurality of power receiving elements combine constructively.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 1 connects multiple power receiving elements so that the magnetic fields they generate constructively combine. This constructive combination enhances the overall magnetic field strength and improves power transfer efficiency.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the externally generated magnetic field is generated from a source that is vertically spaced apart from the apparatus.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 1 receives power from an external magnetic field generated by a source that is vertically positioned relative to the device. This configuration implies the wireless power transmitter is above or below the receiving device.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the externally generated magnetic field is generated from a source that is horizontally spaced apart from the apparatus.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 1 receives power from an external magnetic field generated by a source that is horizontally positioned relative to the device. This configuration implies the wireless power transmitter is located to the side of the receiving device.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the casing is configured to house components of a mobile device, wherein the load comprises an electrical component of the mobile device.
The wireless charging system from the description in Claim 1 is designed for a mobile device. The device casing houses the electronic components, and the load being powered is an electrical component within the mobile device itself.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the mobile device is a wearable device.
The mobile device in the wireless charging system from the description in Claim 16 is a wearable device. This includes devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other body-worn electronics.
18. An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power, the apparatus comprising: a casing that constitutes a portion of a housing of an electronic device, the casing having at least one electrically conductive segment; a first power receiving element configured to wirelessly receive power via an externally generated alternating magnetic field, the first power receiving element comprising a coil of conductive material attached to the casing; and at least a second power receiving element configured to wirelessly receive power via the externally generated alternating magnetic field, the second power receiving element comprising the at least one electrically conductive segment of the casing.
A wireless power receiver includes a casing forming part of an electronic device, with at least one conductive segment. A first power receiving element, a coil, attaches to the casing to receive power from an external alternating magnetic field. A second power receiving element is the conductive segment of the casing, also receiving power from the same field.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the first power receiving element is connected in a resonant circuit.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 18, the first power receiving element, which is the coil, is connected in a resonant circuit. This resonant circuit enhances the power transfer efficiency of the coil when exposed to the external magnetic field.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the at least second power receiving element is connected in a resonant circuit.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 19, the second power receiving element, which is the conductive segment of the casing, is also connected in a resonant circuit. This resonant circuit enhances the power transfer efficiency of the casing segment when exposed to the external magnetic field.
21. The apparatus of claim 18 , further comprising an electrical connection between the coil of conductive material that comprises the first power receiving element and the at least one electrically conductive segment of the casing that comprises the second power receiving element.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 18, there's an electrical connection between the coil (first power receiving element) and the conductive casing segment (second power receiving element). This connection allows current to flow between the two receiving elements, potentially improving overall efficiency.
22. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the first power receiving element lies in a first plane and the second power receiving element lies in a second plane in non-parallel relation to the first plane.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 18, the coil (first power receiving element) lies in a plane that is non-parallel to the plane of the casing segment (second power receiving element). This orientation difference allows the receiver to capture magnetic fields from different directions.
23. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the first power receiving element is attached to a side of the casing.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 18, the coil (first power receiving element) is attached to the side of the casing. This placement influences the coil's orientation relative to the external magnetic field.
24. The apparatus of claim 18 , further comprising: a plurality of power receiving elements, including the first and second power receiving elements; and a plurality of switches selectively operable to connect together different combinations of power receiving elements.
The wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 18 has multiple power receiving elements, including the coil and the casing segment. It also has switches to selectively connect different combinations of these receiving elements, allowing for adaptable power reception.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the different combinations of power receiving elements provide different degrees of mutual coupling with the externally generated magnetic field.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 24, different combinations of power receiving elements, selectable via switches, provide different degrees of magnetic coupling with the external magnetic field. This allows the system to maximize power transfer for various field orientations.
26. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the different combinations of power receiving elements have different mutual inductances.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 24, different combinations of power receiving elements, selectable via switches, result in different mutual inductance values. This allows the system to optimize power transfer based on mutual inductance.
27. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the different combinations of power receiving elements provide different output voltages.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 24, different combinations of power receiving elements, selectable via switches, provide different output voltages. This enables the system to adapt to different load requirements.
28. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the different combinations of power receiving elements have different resistances.
In the wireless power receiver from the description in Claim 24, different combinations of power receiving elements, selectable via switches, have different resistance values. This allows the system to adjust impedance matching for optimal power transfer.
29. An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power, the apparatus comprising: means for housing an electronic device including at least one metal segment; first means for receiving power through an externally generated magnetic field; second means for receiving power through the externally generated magnetic field comprising a portion of the at least one metal segment.
A wireless power receiving apparatus houses an electronic device and includes at least one metal segment. The apparatus has a first mechanism for receiving power through an external magnetic field and a second mechanism for receiving power through the same field, with the second mechanism using a portion of the metal segment.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 , either or both the first means and the second means are connected in a resonant circuit.
In the wireless power receiving apparatus from the description in Claim 29, either the first mechanism, or the second mechanism, or both are connected within a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit(s) enhances the power transfer efficiency when the mechanisms are exposed to the external magnetic field.
31. The apparatus of claim 29 , further comprising means for connecting together the first means and the second means.
The wireless power receiving apparatus from the description in Claim 29 further includes a mechanism for connecting the first power receiving mechanism and the second power receiving mechanism together. This connection allows for the combination of power received by the two mechanisms.
32. A method for wirelessly receiving power comprising: producing a first current through electromagnetic induction at a first location in a device; producing a second current through electromagnetic induction at a second location in the device; and combining the first current and the second current to produce power for the device; wherein producing a first current includes coupling a first coil of wire to an externally generated magnetic field and producing a second current includes coupling a portion of a metallic casing that houses the device to the externally generated magnetic field.
A method for wireless power reception involves generating a first current electromagnetically at a first location within a device, generating a second current electromagnetically at a second location, and combining these currents to power the device. Generating the first current involves using a coil coupled to an external magnetic field, and generating the second current involves using a portion of the metallic casing of the device coupled to the same field.
33. An apparatus for wirelessly receiving power, the apparatus comprising: a casing for a portable electronic device; a plurality of power receiving elements distributed at different locations on the casing; a combining circuit; a plurality of switches configured to connect a subset of the plurality of power receiving elements to the combining circuit, the combining circuit configured to combine the subset of the plurality of power receiving elements to form a set of connected power receiving elements; and a controller configured to operate the plurality of switches and the combining circuit.
A wireless power receiving apparatus includes a casing for a portable electronic device, with multiple power receiving elements distributed on the casing. A combining circuit and switches are used to connect a subset of the receiving elements to form a combined set. A controller operates the switches and combining circuit to manage power reception.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein one or more of the plurality of power receiving elements is connected in a resonant circuit.
The wireless power receiving apparatus from the description in Claim 33 includes one or more power receiving elements that are part of a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit enhances the power transfer efficiency when the receiving elements are exposed to the external magnetic field.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 , further comprising a rectifier circuit connected to an output of the combining circuit to produce an output voltage.
The wireless power receiving apparatus from the description in Claim 33 has a rectifier circuit connected to the output of the combining circuit, which generates a DC output voltage. This converts the combined AC signal from the receiving elements into a usable DC power source.
36. The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein the combining circuit is configured to selectively connect together the subset of the plurality of power receiving elements in series fashion and/or in parallel fashion.
In the wireless power receiving apparatus from the description in Claim 33, the combining circuit can selectively connect the subset of power receiving elements in series or parallel configurations. This allows for voltage or current optimization based on the power requirements.
37. The apparatus of claim 33 , further comprising a plurality of rectifier circuits connected to respective power receiving elements in the plurality of power receiving elements to output respective DC levels, outputs of the rectifier circuits connected to the combining circuit.
The wireless power receiving apparatus from the description in Claim 33 includes multiple rectifier circuits connected to individual power receiving elements. The outputs of these rectifiers, representing DC levels, are then connected to the combining circuit.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 , wherein the combining circuit is configured to selectively add and/or subtract DC levels associated with the subset of power receiving elements.
In the wireless power receiving apparatus from the description in Claim 37, the combining circuit selectively adds or subtracts the DC levels from the rectifier circuits associated with the selected subset of power receiving elements. This allows for voltage regulation and power optimization.
39. A method for wirelessly receiving power, comprising: coupling power receiving elements to an externally generated magnetic field at different locations in a device; connecting together a subset of the receiving elements; and combining current induced in the subset of the receiving elements to produce power for the device; wherein coupling power receiving elements to the externally generated magnetic field includes one or more of coupling a coil of wire to the externally generated magnetic field and coupling a portion of a metallic casing that houses the device to the externally generated magnetic field.
A wireless power receiving method involves coupling power receiving elements to an external magnetic field at different device locations, connecting a subset of these elements, and combining the induced current to power the device. Coupling to the field includes using either a coil of wire or a metallic casing portion of the device.
40. The method of claim 39 , further comprising rectifying a combined current subsequent to combining the current induced in the subset of the power receiving elements.
The wireless power receiving method from the description in Claim 39 includes rectifying the combined current after the currents induced in the subset of power receiving elements have been combined.
41. The method of claim 39 , further comprising rectifying current induced in the subset of the power receiving elements prior to the combining.
The wireless power receiving method from the description in Claim 39 includes rectifying the current induced in each power receiving element *before* the currents from the selected subset of receiving elements are combined.
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February 25, 2015
August 22, 2017
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